AR-15 Purchasing Advice

[Jolliday]

So I have tucked a little bit of money away, and am seriously in the market for picking up an AR-15 either this weekend or the next. I have always been a fan of and owned AK's, but feel like I would really enjoy an AR. I realize that you can build your own AR for cheaper then what you can buy a complete rifle, but at this time I am wanting to pick up a completed rifle.

What I am wanting to do with the rifle is use it in a couple of centerfire tournaments at my gun club as well as do some target shooting and maybe a little bit of tactical training/fun here and there. What I would prefer in the completed rifle is a carbine with either the 14.5" or 16" barrel, flaptop, and flip-up/battle sights (At minimum just a rear battle sight). The only thing I could really see me adding to the gun later down the road is a red dot

My price range is $1,000, but I am willing to spend up to $1,500 for a gun that I really like. I was just wondering if there were any AR guys here that could point me to a rifle that I would enjoy for my type of shooting.

[Jolliday]

In my searching so far I have been recommended to look at Spikes Tactical, Rock River Arms, and Smith and Wesson's M&P. Two of the guns from these manufacturers that I have really liked have been the

ST 15 16" M4 LE Carbine with 7' S.A.R.

http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/st-15-16-m4-le-carbine-w7sar-p-798.html?zenid=2511cd6d7d714524895dd8ed07fe56a2

S&W M&P15T

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_786010_-1_757785_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

[Beastinthebushes]

Have you seen the outdoors trader forum? Lots of friendly people as well as knowledge. Plus there may be a good deal of an AR already on there.

[Jolliday]

I have not. I am guessing this is a separate forum you speak of? I keep debating whether or not to force myself to wait until the Eastman Gun Show comes through Macon on September 8th, but I just do not think that I can hold out until then. Plus I do not usually run into any better deals at the gun show, just a lot of selection.

[Beastinthebushes]

https://Theoutdoorstrader.com

Check it out, look in the classifieds, ask the same question after you introduce yourself. I sold my gun on there in like two days and got my asking price no problem. Always something on that forum.

[miata5620]

If my memory serves me if you get the 14.5" barrel you will have to deal with the extra paperwork of having a SBR, I believe anything under 16" is considered one. I was going to get one at the first of this year, before I had to spend my money on bills that came out of no where, with a $1500 budget and everyone seemed to be pointing me towards Daniel Defense or the Sig 516.

[Jolliday]

As long as you have a muzzle brake on the end of the 14.5" carbine that makes the overall length 16" then I believe you will be fine. My Romanian AK is the same way. Without the muzzle brake attached to the rifle it technically requires a SBR stamp and all that paperwork.

I definitely don't want to have to go through all the SBR paperwork with an AR.

I will give the Daniel Defense sight a look though. Just trying to get any last minute suggestions in before I jump on one of these rifles.

[scandmx5]

Just an idea...

Take a look at the S&W Sport. It lacks a forward assist and dustcover, but is a better built gun than ALOT of the competition of the same price range out there today (DPMS Sporticals,Oracles,etc...). S&W warranty, S&W reputation, 1:8 twist...it's a winner! You're not fighting mujahideen in the Korengal Valley so the dustcover isn't a necessity. A great entry level gun for $600-700...so then you have plenty left for a decent red dot and/or ammo.

[Jolliday]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_786006_-1_757785_757784_757784_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

Wow, that is much cheaper then what I have been looking at, and it pretty much has everything that I want in an AR. I will definitely give this a look. Thanks for the recommendation. Don't know how I missed seeing this one.

[scandmx5]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

Wow, that is much cheaper then what I have been looking at, and it pretty much has everything that I want in an AR. I will definitely give this a look. Thanks for the recommendation. Don't know how I missed seeing this one.

Glad I could help out. It's the best bang for the buck you can get when it comes to AR's...but that's just my humble opinion as a gun salesman lol. Like some of the others said...check on the outdoorstrader, or if you wanted to buy new most stores sell the Sport anywhere from $599-$709. They're always at gun shows as well. Personally I'm an AK fan, but have been seriously contemplating picking up a Sport myself.

[RotorNutFD3S]

I really like the DPMS Oracle as an inexpensive AR ($600 base price new at some shops and many gun shows), but that's probably because I own one. It has all of the same options as the higher priced brands. Based on the markings, the upper and lower on mine were both forged by Colt, the finish work is great and everything fits together tighter than a lot of other revered "name brand" ARs I've handled. Never had a FTF or FTE and I have fired all kinds of brands of ammo through it. I've only had to use it once or twice after a couple hundred rounds fired in one session, but the forward assist is an option I'd want to have. Just my $0.02.

[Jolliday]

Personally I'm an AK fan.

I like your style! AK's have been very good to me. First gun I purchased was a Century Arms GP1975 Romanian AK. I will never sell that gun!

Thanks guys for giving me some other stuff to look at. Hopefully will be making my final decision on Saturday what to go with.

[Jolliday]

Figured I might as well update this. Went to a gun store down here in Butler and picked up this Colt AR-15. Already took it to the range twice and tore it down and cleaned/lubricated it one good time.





AR with my Romanian AK



Field stripping and cleaning



Very pleased with it so far. :)

[redjeff]

Very nice. Some day I too will own a black rifle

[FooSchnickens]

I just picked up my new lower today for my pistol build. Should be fun.